A First in Michigan

Nanoknife procedure for a kidney tumor eliminated the need for Clyde to undergo a high risk, traditional procedure, while still removing the tumor.

Clyde Carrington was suffering from colon irritation when he went to Henry Ford Medical Center - Canton. His doctor ordered an x-ray which revealed no problems. When the pain persisted, he underwent a CAT scan, ultimately revealing much more than colon irritation.

Carrington had a large tumor on his left kidney. "It was just quietly eating away at my kidney and I had no idea," says Carrington. "I am so grateful we found it and were able to do something about it."

After the discovery of the tumor, Carrington was sent to Henry Ford Hospital to see Craig Rogers, M.D., Chair, Department of Urology. Rogers specializes in robotic surgery for kidney, prostate and adrenal cancer.

Rogers reviewed his case and realized that the typical procedure for this condition would put him at a high risk for bleeding or losing his entire kidney, given that the tumor was located deep in the kidney and next to major blood vessels. Carrington had also previously undergone an abdominal hernia repair, which would have made the surgery more difficult.

"For all of these reasons, Clyde chose to undergo the first nanoknife procedure for a kidney tumor in Michigan," says Rogers. "The hope was to save the kidney and kill the cancer without harming the adjacent blood vessel; all while avoiding an incision."

The procedure was a multi-disciplinary effort; with Todd Getzen, M.D., in Interventional Radiology placing the needles and performing the nanoknife procedure and the Urology staff helping him as he recovered overnight so he could be discharged the following day.

"I am no spring chicken and this non-invasive procedure was the best thing for me," jokes Carrington.